Characterization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated in Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil.

The study investigated the characteristics of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated in Santa Catarina. Findings revealed prevalent SCCmecII and IV, multiresistance, Leucocidin ED genes, and one ST105 isolate. The results indicated that the in-state MRSA isolates showed the same characteristics as the out-of-state isolates among the investigated features.

Diversity of fungal endophytes from mangrove plants of Santa Catarina Island, Brazil.

The mangrove ecosystem plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of plants, animals, and microorganisms that are essential for materials cycles. However, the exploration of endophytic fungi isolated from mangroves, particulary in Santa Catarina (SC, Brazil), remains limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the biodiversity of endophytic fungi found in Avicennia schaueriana, Laguncularia racemosa, Rhizophora mangle, and Spartina alterniflora from two mangroves on the Island of Santa Catarina: one impacted by anthropic action (Itacorubi mangrove) and the other environmentally preserved (Ratones mangrove). Samplings were carried out between January 2020 and May 2021. Fungi were isolated from leaves, stems, and roots, identified, and clustered into groups through morphological characteristics. Further, a representative strain of each group was identified through ITS1 sequencing. A total of 373 isolates were obtained from plant tissues, of which 96 and 277 isolates were obtained from Itacorubi and Ratones mangroves, respectively. Molecular identification showed that the endophytic fungal community comprised at least 19 genera. The data on fungal community diversity revealed comparable diversity indices for genera in both mangroves. However, we observed differences in the total frequency of fungal genera between impacted (27.38%) and non-impacted (72.62%) mangroves. These findings suggest that anthropic activities in and around the Santa Catarina mangroves have had negative impact on the frequency of endophytic fungi. This emphasizes the reinforcing the significance of preserving these environments to ensure the maintenance of fungal community diversity.

Acute gastroenteritis outbreak associated with multiple and rare norovirus genotypes after storm events in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Norovirus is a major cause of acute diarrheal disease (ADD) outbreaks worldwide. In the present study, we investigated an ADD outbreak caused by norovirus in several municipalities of Santa Catarina state during the summer season, southern Brazil in 2023. As of the 10th epidemiological week of 2023, approximately 87 000 ADD cases were reported, with the capital, Florianópolis, recording the highest number of cases throughout the weeks. By using RT-qPCR and sequencing, we detected 10 different genotypes, from both genogroups (G) I and II. Some rare genotypes were also identified. Additionally, rotavirus and human adenovirus were sporadically detected among the ADD cases. Several features of the outbreak suggest that sewage-contaminated water could played a role in the surge of ADD cases. Storm events in Santa Catarina state that preceded the outbreak likely increased the discharge of contaminated wastewater and stormwater into water bodies, such as rivers and beaches during a high touristic season in the state. Climate change-induced extreme weather events, including intensified rainfall and frequent floods, can disturb healthcare and sanitation systems. Implementing public policies for effective sanitation, particularly during peak times, is crucial to maintain environmental equilibrium and counter marine pollution.

Sharing of living area and exposure of domestic and wild canids to ticks, Rickettsia parkeri and Rangelia vitalii in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil.

Spotted fever caused by the bacterium Rickettsia parkeri, and canine rangeliosis caused by the protozoan Rangelia vitalii, are emerging or re-emerging tick-borne diseases in Brazil, where the main tick vectors are Amblyomma ovale and Amblyomma aureolatum, respectively. In the present study, we evaluated exposure to R. parkeri and R. vitalii infection among domestic (Canis lupus familiaris) and wild (Cerdocyon thous) canids sharing living areas within an Atlantic Forest area of southern Brazil. Four different domestic dogs and three different wild canids were captured. Most of the ticks collected from either domestic or wild canids were identified as A. ovale and A. aureolatum. DNA of R. parkeri was amplified from 14% of the A. ovale specimens. Two domestic dogs and two wild canids were seroreactive to R. parkeri antigens with high endpoint titers (>1024). Rangelia vitalii DNA was detected in two wild canids; one of them was resampled 93 days later, again infected by R. vitalii. We report exposure/infection of domestic dogs and wild canids to R. vitalii and/or R. parkeri-infected ticks in an Atlantic Forest area shared by both canid species, indicating that they also shared the same populations of the tick vectors, A. aureolatum and A. ovale. While A. ovale, A. aureolatum, R. parkeri, R. vitalii and C. thous, are all native to the Atlantic Forest, further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of an exotic canine species - C. lupus familiaris - on the enzootic cycles of R. vitalii and R. parkeri, as well as the possible role of domestic dogs in emergence and re-emergence of R. parkeri-spotted fever in humans and canine rangeliosis, respectively.

Bilateral genital asymmetry in livebearer fishes of the genus Phalloceros Eigenmann, 1907, with description of a new species from coastal drainages of southern Brazil (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae).

A new species of Phalloceros is described from the Tijucas, Maruim, Aririú, Cubatão do Sul, Rio da Madre, D'Una and Tubarão river basins in southern Brazil. The new species is diagnosed among congeners by the bilateral asymmetry of a hood-like structure located immediately anterior to the urogenital papilla of females. The hood is fused with the urogenital papilla on the right side, but free from the papilla on the left side. This hood is reported for the first time in the genus and is present in six of the 21 valid species of Phalloceros, but its bilateral asymmetry is an exclusive condition of the new species. These species do not constitute a monophyletic group. The new species is likely to be phylogenetically related to P. caudimaculatus, whose females have a symmetrical hood.

Álbum/Relatório das Atividades das Pequenas Irmãs da Divina Providência: registros da assistência médico-social na Região Carbonífera Catarinense, 1955-1957 / Album/Report by the Pequenas Irmãs da Divina Providência: records of social and medical assistance in the coal-producing region of southern Santa Catarina, 1955-1957

Resumo Na primeira metade do século XX, a Região Carbonífera Catarinense passou por um intenso processo de industrialização que impactou diretamente as diferentes formas de vida. Como resultado da exploração do carvão mineral, a região enfrentou uma série de problemas sanitários que dificultavam o próprio processo de acumulação do capital. Diante da incapacidade de o poder público atender às demandas sanitárias, o empresariado local estabeleceu parcerias com congregações religiosas femininas para prestar serviços assistenciais em suas vilas operárias. Como resultado dessa relação, as Pequenas Irmãs da Divina Providência produziram um álbum/relatório, composto por textos, desenhos e fotografias que retratam suas atividades assistenciais, entre 1955 e 1957, em uma das vilas da região.

Abstract During the first half of the twentieth century, the coal-producing region of Santa Catarina state underwent intense industrialization that directly impacted various ways of life; various health problems emerged in the region as a result of coal mining and impeded economic progress. As the government was unable to meet health demands, local businesses established partnerships with female religious orders that provided assistance services in the villages where workers lived. As part of such a partnership, the Pequenas Irmãs da Divina Providência created an album of texts, drawings, and photographs as a report describing their activities from 1955 to 1957 in one such village in the region.

Relatório de recomendação para adoção de um protocolo estadual para atendimento de casos suspeitos ou confirmados de síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica em adultos (SIM-A) associada à covid-19 / Recommendation report for the adoption of a state protocol for the care of suspected or confirmed cases of multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in adults (SIM-A) associated with covid-19

Este relatório refere-se à análise crítica da Nota Técnica do Ministério da Saúde nº 38/2022-DEIDT/SVS/MS1 apresentada pela DIVE/SES/SC para a elaboração de um Protocolo Estadual de Atendimento para Casos Suspeitos ou Confirmados de Síndrome Inflamatória Multissistêmica em Adultos (SIM-A) associada à Covid-19. Na Nota Técnica emitida pelo Ministério da Saúde consta uma breve contextualização, objetivos da notificação, quadro clínico de SIM-A, definições de casos, exames complementares, exames específicos para COVID-19, manejo clínico, notificação e registro. Este relatório visa avaliar e emitir um parecer técnico embasado em evidências científicas sobre a disponibilização do medicamento Imunoglobulina Humana intravenosa (IGHIV) para o tratamento de SIM-A, fluxo de acesso ao medicamento e avaliação do impacto orçamentário, para posterior elaboração de um Protocolo Estadual para esta síndrome, destinado aos profissionais da saúde, pacientes e gestores do estado de Santa Catarina.

Distribuição de grupos folclóricos em Santa Catarina e sua relação com a colonização do Estado / Distribution of folkloric groups in Santa Catarina and its relation to the colonization of the State / Distribución de grupos folclóricos en Santa Catarina y su relación con la colonización del Estado

O objetivo foi verificar se o histórico de colonização das diferentes regiões de Santa Catarina se reflete na distribuição atual dos grupos folclóricos do estado. Os dados quantitativos foram retirados da listagem fornecida pela Fundação Catarinense de Cultura. Para as informações históricas, foi feita uma revisão bibliográfica. Estão registrados 182 grupos folclóricos distribuídos por 74 cidades. A etnia mais abundante foi a alemã, seguida pela luso-açoriana, e então italiana, gaúcha, de outros países europeus, grupos mistos, afrobrasileiros e outros. Os grupos luso-açorianos se concentram no litoral, o que concorda com o fato de terem sido responsáveis pela colonização mais antiga. Para os alemães e demais europeus, foram geograficamente observadas as duas principais ondas de imigração historicamente registradas: primeiro no nordeste e vale do Itajaí e posteriormente no oeste. Percebeu-se que a distribuição de grupos folclóricos de cada etnia tem relação com o processo de colonização das diferentes regiões.

The objective was to verify if the colonization history of different regions of Santa Catarina is reflected on the current distribution of the folkloric groups of the state. The quantitative data were taken from the list provided by the Fundação Catarinense de Cultura. For the historical information, a bibliographic review was done. There are 182 groups registered, distributed on 74 cities. The most abundant ethnicity was German, followed by Portuguese-Azorean, Italian, gaúcha, other European countries, mixed groups, African-brazilian and others. The Portuguese-Azorean groups concentrate on the coast, what agrees with the fact they were responsible for the oldest colonization. For the Germans and other Europeans, the two main colonization waves historically registered were geographically observed: first on the northeast and Itajaí's valley and after on the west. It was perceived that the distribution of the folkloric groups of each ethnicity is related to the colonization process of the different regions.

El objetivo fue verificar si la historia de colonización de las regiones de Santa Catarina se refleja en la distribución actual de los grupos folclóricos en el estado. Los datos cuantitativos fueron tomados de la lista proporcionada por la Fundação Catarinense de Cultura. Para información histórica, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica. Hay 182 grupos folclóricos distribuidos en 74 ciudades. La etnia más abundante fue la alemana, seguida por la portuguesa-azoriana, italiana, gaucha, otros países europeos, grupos mixtos, afrobrasileños y otros. Los grupos luso-azoreanos se concentran en la costa, lo que concuerda con el hecho de que fueron los responsables de la colonización más antigua. Para los alemanes y otros europeos, se observaron geográficamente las principales olas de inmigración registradas: en el noreste, el valle de Itajaí el oeste. Se notó que la distribución de los grupos folclóricos de cada etnia está relacionada con el proceso de colonización de las regiones.

Relatório de recomendação final para adoção de um protocolo estadual no estado de Santa Catarina complementar ao protocolo clínico e diretrizes terapêuticas do ministério da saúde para tratamento farmacológico da hipertensão pulmonar no âmbito do SUS / Final recommendation report for the adoption of a state protocol in the state of Santa Catarina complementary to the clinical protocol and therapeutic guidelines of the Ministry of Health for pharmacological treatment of pulmonary hypertension within the scope of the SUS

Este relatório refere-se à análise crítica do documento "Diagnóstico e Tratamento de Hipertensão Pulmonar'', elaborado pela ACAPTI e enviado como proposta para elaboração de Protocolo Estadual de Hipertensão Pulmonar, contemplando o tratamento farmacológico de HP grupo 1 (HAP) e grupo 4 (HPTEC). No documento encaminhado pelo demandante consta uma breve introdução e contextualização da patologia, diagnóstico clínico e exames complementares, critérios de inclusão e exclusão, especialidades médicas, estratificação de risco e seguimento, tratamento medicamentoso, algoritmo de tratamento medicamentoso, acessos aos medicamentos e centros de referência. Os itens relacionados ao diagnóstico foram mantidos neste relatório, conforme o documento enviado pelo demandante. Este relatório visa avaliar e emitir um parecer técnico embasado em evidências científicas sobre a disponibilização do medicamento Selexipague, a disponibilização da terapia combinada (Ambrisentana, Bosentana, Sildenafila, Ilopros a e Selexipague) para o tratamento da HP grupo 1 (HAP), a disponibilização do medicamento Riociguate para tratamento de HP grupo 4 (HPTEC), algoritmo de tratamento medicamentoso e fluxo de acesso aos medicamentos, para posterior elaboração de um Protocolo Estadual para a patologia solicitada. O Protocolo Estadual será elaborado complementarmente ao protocolo do Ministério da Saúde, assim, caso os medicamentos englobados nele sejam incorporados para a patologia em questão pela CONITEC, o fornecimento dos mesmos passa a ser por meio do CEAF.

Temporal trends in the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases in the public healthcare system in Brazil: A large population-based study.

Background: Population-based data on epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) in Brazil are scarce. This study aims to define temporal trends of incidence and prevalence rates of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in Brazil. Methods: All IBD patients from the public healthcare national system were included from January 2012 to December 2020. Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using log-linear regression for incidence and binomial regression for prevalence. Moran's I autocorrelation index was used to analyse clustering of cities by level of prevalence. Findings: A total of 212,026 IBD patients were included. Incidence of IBD rose from 9.4 in 2012 to 9.6 per 100,000 in 2020 (AAPC=0.8%; 95% CI -0.37, 1.99); for UC, incidence increased from 5.7 to 6.9 per 100,000 (AAPC=3.0%; 95% CI 1.51, 4.58) and for CD incidence decreased from 3.7 to 2.7 per 100,000 (AAPC=-3.2%; 95% CI -4.45, -2.02). Prevalence of IBD increased from 30.0 in 2012 to 100.1 per 100,000 in 2020 (AAPC=14.8%; CI 14.78-14.95); for UC, from 15.7 to 56.5 per 100,000 (AAPC=16.0%; CI 15.94, 16.17); for CD from 12.6 to 33.7 per 100,000 (AAPC=12.1% CI 11.95, 12.02). A south-north gradient was observed in 2020 prevalence rates of IBD [I=0.40 (p<0.0001)], CD [I=0.22 (p<0.0001)] and UC [I=0.42 (p<0.0001)]. Interpretation: Incidence of CD is decreasing whereas of UC is increasing, leading to stabilization in the incidence of IBD from 2012 to 2020 in Brazil. Prevalence of IBD has been climbing with 0.1% of Brazilians living with IBD in 2020. Funding: None.

Relatório de recomendação para adoção de um protocolo estadual para atendimento de casos suspeitos ou confirmados de síndrome de trombose com trombocitopenia (STT) associada à vacinação com as vacinas de vetor de adenovírus não replicante contra a covid-19 em Santa Catarina / Recommendation report for the adoption of a state protocol for the care of suspected or confirmed cases of thrombosis syndrome with thrombocytopenia (STT) associated with vaccination with non-replicating adenovirus vector vaccines against covid-19 in Santa Catarina

Este relatório refere-se à análise crítica dos documentos apresentados pelo CRIE/DIVE/SES/SC para a elaboração de um Protocolo Estadual de atendimento para casos de Síndrome de Trombose com Trombocitopenia (STT) associada à vacinação com vacinas de vetor de adenovírus não replicante contra a COVID-19, baseados na Nota Técnica CGPNI/DEIDT/SVS/MS nº 933/2021. Na Nota Técnica emitida pelo Ministério da Saúde consta uma breve contextualização, a investigação da STT, protocolo de investigação laboratorial, manejo clínico de casos e definição de casos para investigação de STT. O documento enviado pelo CRIE/DIVE/SES/SC intitulado "Fluxograma de Atendimento TTS" apresentou os dados da nota supracitada resumidos com a adição de um fluxograma de atendimento hospitalar. Este relatório visa avaliar e emitir um parecer técnico embasado em evidências científicas sobre a disponibilização dos medicamentos Imunoglobulina Humana intravenosa (IGHIV) e Rivaroxabana para o tratamento de STT, fluxo de aces o aos medicamentos e avaliação do impacto orçamentário, para posterior elaboração de um Protocolo Estadual para esta síndrome, destinado aos profissionais da saúde, pacientes e gestores do estado de Santa Catarina.

Covid-19 em Santa Catarina: um triste experimento populacional / Covid-19 in Santa Catarina: a sad population experiment

Resumo As dificuldades existentes com o enfrentamento da pandemia em Santa Catarina seguem a mesma trajetória dramática do Brasil, com número crescente de casos e mortes diárias. O estado conta com várias regiões consideradas em risco gravíssimo ou grave. A gestão inicialmente bem-sucedida da pandemia, referenciada como um modelo a ser seguido, pouco a pouco foi perdendo coerência e efetividade, cedendo a pressões advindas de poderes políticos e econômicos, em especial de grandes empresários do estado.

Abstract Difficulties related to the coronavirus pandemic in the state of Santa Catarina reflect the same dramatic trajectory seen in Brazil as a whole, with increasing numbers of cases and daily fatalities. Several regions of this state are considered to be at very serious or severe risk. The initially successful management of the pandemic was cited as a model to be followed, but gradually lost coherence and effectiveness as it yielded to pressure from political and economic powers, particularly large employers in the state.

Covid-19, aspectos gerais e a trajetória do vírus no Estado de Santa Catarina / Covid ­ 19, general aspects and virus trajectory in the State of Santa Catarina

Resumo: Por meio de uma pneumonia de origem desconhecida em Wuhan, na China, deu-se a descoberta do novo Coronavírus. A entrada do vírus no Brasil, provavelmente, se deu em São Paulo e, posteriormente, transmitido para outros Estados do país. No dia 28 de fevereiro de 2020, o Estado de Santa Catarina, Região Sul do Brasil, registrou os 3 primeiros casos de COVID-19. Objetiva-se neste estudo, proporcionar uma visão geral sobre a COVID-19 além de relatar sua trajetória no estado de Santa Catarina entre os meses de fevereiro a maio do ano de 2020. A pesquisa deu-se através da interpretação dos dados obtidos pelos painéis de controle da doença no Estado, além dos comunicados, decretos, publicações oficiais e literatura científica disponível nas principais bases de dados online. Mediante a análise de dados, notou-se que até o dia 31 de maio de 2020, o Estado detinha 2,03% do número total de casos de COVID-19 do país, em relação ao número de óbitos, mesmo que as cidades registrassem o maior número de casos, não registraram o maior número de óbitos. Pode-se dizer que o período de quarentena efetiva no Estado foi de 26 dias a contar da data do primeiro decreto até a liberação das atividades e, após a liberação das atividades e flexibilização da quarentena houve um aumento de 8.883 novos casos em 48 dias. Espera-se que relatos como este fomentem estudos sobre a efetividade das medidas de contenção tomadas e contribuam para o controle de novas pandemias.

Abstract: Through pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan, China, the new Coronavirus was discovered. The entry of the virus in Brazil, probably, took place in São Paulo and, later, transmitted to other states of the country. On February 28, 2020, the State of Santa Catarina, South Region of Brazil, registered the first 3 cases of COVID-19. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of COVID-19 in addition to reporting its trajectory in the state of Santa Catarina between February and May of 2020. The research took place through the interpretation of the data obtained by the panels control of the disease in the State, in addition to communications, decrees, official publications, and scientific literature available in the main online databases. Through data analysis, it was noted that until May 31, 2020, the State held 1.5% of the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country, about the number of deaths, even if cities registered the greatest number of cases, did not register the greatest number of deaths. It can be said that the effective quarantine period in the State was 26 days from the date of the first decree until the release of activities and, after the release of activities and relaxation of quarantine, there was an increase of 8,883 new cases in 48 days. The outbreak of the new Coronavirus has brought up a major public health problem worldwide, the numbers of patients have been growing since the first records of this virus and the disease is spreading rapidly. Reports like this are expected to encourage studies on the effectiveness of the containment measures taken and contribute to the control of new pandemics.

Responses of the zooplankton community to the formation of a small reservoir on the Caveiras River, southern Brazil

We investigated changes in the species richness, abundance, and composition of the zooplankton community in response to the formation of a small reservoir in the Caveiras River, southern Brazil. Zooplankton were collected using a motor-pump and aplankton net (68 μm mesh), with 600 L of water filtered per sample. Sampling occurred during the pre-(April, August, and December 2011) and post-impoundment (July and October 2013, and January 2014) phases of the Caveiras River. We identified 86 taxa in this study, and rotifers were the predominant group. The species richness and abundance of the zooplankton increased after the filling of the reservoir. Furthermore, the zooplankton community showed a clear change in the species composition between the phases before and after the formation of the reservoir, with the emergence of typical planktonic species. Changes in the structure of the zooplankton community were related to changes in limnological characteristics due to the impoundment of the river, mainlyin the availability of food and in the concentration of nutrients.

Trajectory of serogroups causing Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Santa Catarina state, Brazil (2007-2019)

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the trajectory of serogroups causing Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) in the Santa Catarina (SC) state with those of whole Brazil. A retrospective analysis of all IMD cases reported from January 2007 to December 2019 was carried out. During the study period, 26,058 IMD cases were registered in Brazil and 644 and in SC state alone. Overall, Brazil showed progressive reduction in cases since 2010, when the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine was introducted on National Immunization Program, while SC showed an increase in total cases since 2013, particularly from serogroups W and C. Serogroups distribution was significantly different between Brazil and SC. The emergence of serogroup W highlights the improved meningococcal surveillance through increased accuracy in identification methods in SC state. This finding is important for discussing recommendations of quadrivalent (ACWY) conjugate vaccines in different geographical areas of Brazil.

Trajectory of serogroups causing Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Santa Catarina state, Brazil (2007-2019).

The aim of this study was to compare the trajectory of serogroups causing Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) in the Santa Catarina (SC) state with those of whole Brazil. A retrospective analysis of all IMD cases reported from January 2007 to December 2019 was carried out. During the study period, 26,058 IMD cases were registered in Brazil and 644 and in SC state alone. Overall, Brazil showed progressive reduction in cases since 2010, when the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine was introducted on National Immunization Program, while SC showed an increase in total cases since 2013, particularly from serogroups W and C. Serogroups distribution was significantly different between Brazil and SC. The emergence of serogroup W highlights the improved meningococcal surveillance through increased accuracy in identification methods in SC state. This finding is important for discussing recommendations of quadrivalent (ACWY) conjugate vaccines in different geographical areas of Brazil.

Climatic variables influence the temporal dynamics of an anuran metacommunity in a nonstationary way.

Understanding the temporal dynamics of communities is crucial to predict how communities respond to climate change. Several factors can promote variation in phenology among species, including tracking of seasonal resources, adaptive responses to other species, demographic stochasticity, and physiological constraints. The activities of ectothermic vertebrates are sensitive to climatic variations due to the effect of temperature and humidity on species physiology. However, most studies on temporal dynamics have analyzed multi-year data and do not have resolution to discriminate within-year patterns that can determine community assembly cycles. Here, we tested the temporal stability and synchrony of calling activity and also how climatic variables influence anuran species composition throughout the year in a metacommunity in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. Using a multivariate method, we described how the relationship between species composition and climatic variables changes through time. The metacommunity showed a weak synchronous spatial pattern, meaning that species responded independently to environmental variation. Interestingly, species composition exhibited a nonstationary response to climate, suggesting that climate affects species composition differently depending on the season. The species-climate relationship was stronger during the spring, summer, and winter, mainly influenced by temperature, rainfall, and humidity. Thus, temporal community dynamics seem to be mediated by species life-history traits, in which independent fluctuations promote community stability in temporally varying environments.

Phylogenetic analysis of rabies viruses isolated from cattle in southern Brazil.

Bats and dogs are the main reservoirs of rabies virus (RABV) in Latin America and are responsible for the maintenance of different cycles of infection. In the two neighbour and most southern Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Santa Catarina (SC), rabies in dogs has been successfully controlled for more than 30 years. However, rabies associated to the rural cycle remains endemic, with a significant, though oscillating-annual incidence of rabies in cattle. Despite the plethora of studies on genetic analyses of Brazilian RABV, isolates from southern Brazil have only scarcely been investigated. This work was performed to identify the genetic lineages of RABVs circulating in states of RS and SC. Fifty-nine RABV cattle isolates from RS and SC were selected and submitted to reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by sequencing of the nucleoprotein gene. In RS, the circulation of two sublineages (1A and 1B) of RABV was detected, both with characteristics of lineages usually detected in vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus). In SC, only one sublineage of RABV (1B) was detected. Nevertheless, the findings reported here are expected to contribute to the understanding of the biology of the virus in the region and its interactions with the natural host D. rotundus.

Improving the serodiagnosis of canine Leishmania infantum infection in geographical areas of Brazil with different disease prevalence.

Serodiagnosis of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs relies on the detection of antibodies against leishmanial crude extracts or parasitic defined antigens. The expansion of canine leishmaniasis from geographical areas of Brazil in which the infection is endemic to regions in which the disease is emerging is occurring. This fact makes necessary the analysis of the serodiagnostic capabilities of different leishmanial preparations in distinct geographical locations. In this article sera from dogs infected with Leishmania and showing the clinical form of the disease, were collected in three distinct Brazilian States and were tested against soluble leishmanial antigens or seven parasite individual antigens produced as recombinant proteins. We show that the recognition of soluble leishmanial antigens by sera from these animals was influenced by the geographical location of the infected dogs. Efficacy of the diagnosis based on this crude parasite preparation was higher in newly endemic regions when compared with areas of high disease endemicity. We also show that the use of three of the recombinant proteins, namely parasite surface kinetoplastid membrane protein of 11 kDa (KMP-11), and two members of the P protein family (P2a and P0), can improve the degree of sensitivity without adversely affecting the specificity of the diagnostic assays for canine leishmaniasis, independently of the geographical area of residence. In addition, sera from dogs clinically healthy but infected were also assayed with some of the antigen preparations. We demonstrate that the use of these proteins can help to the serodiagnosis of Leishmania infected animals with subclinical infections. Finally, we propose a diagnostic protocol using a combination of KMP-11, P2a y P0, together with total leishmanial extracts.